Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and Entrepreneurs
Short Story Long shares life-changing stories of growth, resilience, and reinvention from leaders, coaches, and everyday people navigating pivotal turning points. Hosted by leadership coach Beki Fraser, each episode explores the moments that shaped someone's path and the lessons we can all learn.
Every other week, Beki follows up with a Skill Builder episode that breaks down insights from the previous story into practical tools, reflection prompts, and leadership actions.
Whether you're building a business, transitioning into a new career, or learning to lead with greater purpose, this podcast offers real stories and practical strategies to help you grow. New episodes every other week.
Episodes
39 episodes
Shannon King's Story: Surviving the Fallout of Broken Corporate Promises
The moment Shannon King declined a lateral position after returning from maternity leave, she knew exactly what it meant – unemployment. Yet, she felt completely at peace with her decision. After seven years of building a department from scratc...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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47:50
The Mindset Shift: From Manager to Strategic Leader
The leap from technical expert to strategic leader requires more than skill—it demands a shift in mindset. This episode highlights the subtle but powerful communication shifts that signal executive readiness, and the importance of c...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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4:49
Aaron Wilkerson's Story: The Mindset Shift That Fueled His Promotion
In this episode, I reconnect with Aaron Wilkerson, a former client and thoughtful leader whose growth journey offers real insight into what it takes to move from technical expert to strategic leader. Together, we explore how leaders...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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48:38
The Focus Paradox: Do Less, Achieve More - Skill Builder
Show Notes (199 words):What’s the difference between staying busy and making meaningful progress? Focused leadership reshapes the way we work—and how we feel about that work. It’s easy to default to being available, in...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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5:04
Namon's Story: Choosing Growth Into HR Over Going with the Flow
This episode explores Namon's journey from a decade in sales to a new path in human resources. Blending his creative identity as DJ Blue with a growing passion for people-focused work, Namon shares how formal education became a tool for finding...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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35:19
Celebrating a Decade of Entrepreneurship: Insights and Evolution
In this special anniversary episode, we’re turning the mic around! To mark 10 years of full-time coaching through my business, Focus for Growth, I’m stepping into the guest seat. My friend and podcast producer, Richard Dodds, hosts the conversa...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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38:57
Boundaries for Effective Leadership - Skill Builder
Leadership isn't just about managing others—it's about managing yourself with intention. Drawing from a powerful conversation with Alan Heyman, this episode dives deep into two critical leadership skills: setting boundaries and creating psychol...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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5:48
Alan Heymann's Story: Reclaiming Energy Through Professional Reinvention
From drowning in meetings to discovering his authentic path, Alan Heyman's journey reveals what happens when we acknowledge the disconnect between career expectations and reality. This transformative conversation pulls back the curtain on what ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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43:27
Fear Doesn't Have to Run Your Show - Skill Builder
Let's dig into the powerful distinction between following someone else's blueprint and charting your own authentic path as a leader.This episode explores how effective leadership begins with managing your internal reactions—especially fe...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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5:15
Toby Adamson's Story: Reimagining Who You Are When Life Forces a New Path
What happens when you realize you're living a life on remote control? For Toby Adamson, this revelation sparked a transformation.Her awakening triggered a series of life-altering decisions. After years of solving business problems with ...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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28:03
Beyond the Imposter: You're Not Faking It - Skill Builder
Ever catch yourself saying "I'm just faking it till I make it" or feeling like an imposter despite your achievements? You're not alone, but you might be undermining yourself more than you realize.Those feelings of doubt, fear, and anxie...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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6:11
Kris Liebau's Story: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Redefining Personal Success
Have you ever achieved everything you thought you wanted, only to find yourself still feeling unsatisfied? That nagging disconnect between external success and internal fulfillment is exactly what leadership coach Kris Liebau confronted on her ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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37:07
Brave Conversations: Preparing for Life-Changing Discussions - Skill Builder
We've all faced moments when a deeply personal truth demands to be spoken, yet everything inside us screams to stay silent. These brave conversations—whether coming out to loved ones, revealing major life changes, or addressing difficult topics...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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9:50
John Neral's Story: How a Personal Journey Shaped a Career Coach's Approach
The journey to authenticity often begins with our most challenging personal moments. In this profound conversation with career coach John Neral, we explore how his experience of coming out to his parents at age 28 shaped not just his personal l...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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31:00
Networking to Build Relationships - Skill Builder
We build protective stories around our awkward experiences, convincing ourselves we're simply not cut out for schmoozing in crowded rooms or making small talk with strangers. These narratives serve a purpose – they shield us from discomfort and...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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15:33
Scott Fleszar’s Story: From Layoff to First-Time CEO
In this episode, we explore powerful themes of resilience, reinvention, and the importance of staying connected. Scott Fleszar shares how a sudden career disruption became a catalyst for reflection and transformation. Rather than being defined ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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34:56
The Mindset Advantage: Mastering Leadership Agility - Skill Builder
The journey of leadership often requires us to make choices with incomplete information and limited time.Drawing from my conversation with Scott Hanton about his career-defining moment when he had to decide between working for an unsuit...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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8:15
Scott Hanton's Story: The Reluctant Leap to Leadership
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads that prompts uncomfortable yet exciting changes. In this episode, I speak with Scott Hanton, a seasoned researcher who faced the unexpected decision of transitioning from the world of scienti...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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43:00
How Kindness Shapes Workplace Dynamics - Skill Builder
Explore the transformative power of kindness in leadership in this inspiring episode. Through real-world examples, I highlight how compassion and thoughtful communication strengthen relationships and create a more supportive team environment. S...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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6:14
Anthony Marzilli's Story: Chasing Passion, Finding Balance Through Entrepreneurship
What drives someone to leave a stable career with Detroit's top sports franchises and dive into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship? Anthony Marzilli, a seasoned video and motion graphics editor, shares his journey of chasing passion and ba...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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37:32
The Power of Choosing Your Own Career Path - Skill Builder
In this episode of Short Story Long, we explore the power of owning your career choices and breaking free from traditional corporate paths. Reflecting on Theresa’s inspiring journey from HR to sustainability, we discuss the emotional a...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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8:23
Theresa’s Story: Her Career Transition to Sustainability
What happens when a seasoned HR professional decides to pivot her career path entirely? Join us as we uncover Theresa's remarkable journey from a successful 25-year career in human resources to a burgeoning role in sustainability. Theresa share...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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34:19
Season 2 Trailer
In this new season, host Beki Fraser goes beyond her own journey to explore the defining moments that shape careers and leadership. Each episode features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have navigated piv...
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Season 2
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0:54
Short Story Long Season 1 Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, Richard Dodds -- my producer and friend -- joins me to celebrate the end of our first season and the exciting path ahead. We reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped this journey, from overcoming initial challenge...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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27:00